Since doing some work on the islands over the winter I realized how beautiful the islands and the city are at this time of year. So my friend Nigel and I decided to take a trip to the Toronto Islands to explore and photograph the area.
Toronto Harbour
The Toronto ice breaker ferry only travels to Ward’s Island, which is located on the eastern point of the islands. From here you can walk along the boardwalk on the south shore or the main road down the middle of the islands. We decided to walk the boardwalk to Centre Island and then take the main road back to catch the ferry.
Ward’s Island path – Colour
Instead of heading directly to the boardwalk we explored some of the homes and parks on Ward’s Island first. Near a beach we found this path surrounded by birches. I played around with a fog filter to get the effect you see in the photos.
Ward’s Island path – B&W
I can’t decide if I like colour version or the black and white version. Which do you prefer?
Skating on the harbour
Heading back toward the ferry on the main road we came upon some ice skaters enjoying the sunny winter day. The inner harbours around the island are shallow and freeze quickly and they also make a nice ice rink with a spectacular view.
It was a work day for me today but I tell you I can’t beat the views from the yacht club to the city. Especially when it comes to fireworks going off on the CN Tower for Canada Day. If you look closely at the photo below you can almost make out the Canada 150 logo.
Canada 150 CN Tower
And then came the light show! It was pretty spectacular.
After the first few fireworks things got a little smokey.
Fireworks CN Tower
Sailors from the club went to watch the fireworks from their yachts. If I wasn’t taking photos I would have tried to get out on one too.
Night Sailing
A wonderfully special evening for Canada’s 150th anniversary. Happy Canada Day!
Waking up today I felt a little sad that this would be our last day on this amazing island. Our two weeks flew by and I wanted to stay longer to explore the phenomenal landscapes. After some breakfast we decided it was time to finally get some shopping done before our flight at 5pm. Of course shopping also meant a little more sightseeing of the town.
Centre of Reykjavik
Steps from our apartment we found the stone indicating that we were in the centre of Reykjavik. I’ve found in my limited travels in Europe most cities have this marker. It’s a pretty neat thing to do and I wish we did it here in Canada (course we may and I just don’t know it).
Hallgrímskirkja
At the highest point in the city sits mighty Hallgrímskirkja, the church created by architect Guðjón Samúelsson who was commissioned to create it in 1937. Construction began in 1945 with the church finally completed in 1986. From its observation tower one can view Reykjavik in all its glory. We, however, did not make it up to the top of the church due to limited time. It’s first on my list for my return trip.
Hallgrímskirkja Doorway
The church has a new bronze door which I found out lights up at night – which I also completely missed seeing as well. So many things left to see on this stunning, surreal island. Iceland, I look forward to having more adventures with you.
Originally I had planned to spend the entire weekend up in the Tobermory area but I was asked to do an engagement shoot so I cut my trip short and headed to Toronto.
Harbourfront Marina
It was a blue sky kind of day in T.O. and although not the greatest for portraiture it certainly was a lovely day. After the shoot I wandered around the harbourfront and enjoyed the change in scenery.
